Walz Fights to Improve Math & Science Education

Press Release

WALZ FIGHTS TO IMPROVE MATH & SCIENCE EDUCATION

Last night, Rep. Tim Walz joined a bipartisan majority of House members in supporting two pieces of legislation critical to improving math and science education in American schools.

H.R. 362, the "10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act" focuses federal resources on recruiting highly qualified teachers in math, science, and technology to teach in K-12 classrooms. The legislation will invest in nearly 25,000 new math and science teachers over the course of the next five years by increasing the number of scholarships for students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and who are committed to pursuing teaching.

"As an educator, I am acutely aware of the need for more math and science teachers. The best thing we can do for the future economic health of our country is to ensure that our students receive a robust math and science education," said Rep. Walz.

During the last several years, a number of well-publicized studies concluded that the mathematics and science achievement of American students is poor by international standards. In 2005, 39 percent of 12th graders lacked even basic high school math skills. [National Assessment of Educational Progress]

In addition to H.R. 362, Rep. Walz also voted in favor of H.R. 363, the "Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act." The measure increases support for research by offering additional grants to researchers at the beginning of their careers.

"Research shows that scientists and engineers at early stages in their careers are more likely to shift paradigms, break with tradition, or develop new ideas that are often transformative or highly innovative," said Walz. "This legislation provides these professionals additional funding to develop their skills and engage in highly progressive research which has huge potential benefits for this country."

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